An Enhanced Multi-Level Authentication Electronic Voting System

Originally, manual voting systems are surrounded with issues like results manipulation, errors and long result computation time, ineligible voters, void votes among others. Electronic voting system helped in overcoming the challenges with manual voting system, to engendered other problems of phishing, men in the middle attack alongside voter’s impersonation. By these challenges, the integrity of an election results in a distributed system has become another top concern for e-voting system based on reliability. To achieve an improved voters’ authentication and result validation with excellent user experience, here, a Facial Recognition Electronic Voting System that is power-driven by Blockchain Technology was developed. The entire election engineering activities are decentralised with improved security features to enhance transparency, verifiability, and accountability for each vote count. The self-service voting system was built by smart contract and implemented on the Ethereum network. The obtained reports and evaluations reflected a non-editable and self-sufficiently certifiable system for voting. It also has a competitive edge over fingerprint enabled e-voting system. Aside it’s excellent usability and general acceptance, the developed method discarded to a larger extend, intended fraudulent actions from election activities by eliminating the involvement of a middleman while facilitating privacy, convenience, eligibility and satisfactory voters’ righ

Studies of Salt Water intrusion in Opobo/Nkoro Rivers State Using Geophysical and Hydrochemical Methods

Salt water intrusions into fresh water aquifers in Opobo town in Nkoro L.G.A, Rivers state is becoming an issue of concern to the community, and as such requires detailed analysis through an integration of qualitative (geo-electric) and quantitative (hydrochemical) methods. Twenty vertical electrical soundings (VES) labelled as O/MSC/01 to O/MSC/20 and three 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data were acquired in the area. Results from interpretation of the twenty VES profiles showed 4 geo-electric layers, which are topsoil, sand, sandy clay and clay. In VES geo-electric sections, it was observed that salt intrusions occur at depths of 43.135m, 55.20m, 43.528m, 51.63m, and 28.357m along O/MSC/02, O/MSC/05, O/MSC/07, O/MSC/11 and O/MSC/15 profiles respectively. No salt intrusion was observed in O/MSC/01, O/MSC/04, O/MSC/09, O/MSC/10, O/MSC/12 and O/MSC/14 within the depth investigated. Results of 2D imaging along VES profiles 10, 11 and 12, show salt intrusions observed along the three profiles at different depths within the subsurface. Along profile O/MSC/10, saltwater intrusions (with resistivity range of 59.2Ωm-60.1Ωm) was observed at depth of 7.59-9.59m at lateral distance of 34.0-36.0m and depth of 5.59-7.59m at lateral distance of 94-96m. Along profile O/MSC/11 salt intrusions (with resistivity range of 58.8Ωm-59.2Ωm) was observed at depth of 2.59-5.59m at lateral distance of 28-40m, and 110-128m, while along profile O/MSC/12 salt intrusions (with resistivity range of 14.5-20Ωm) was observed at depth of 3.59-5.59m at lateral distance of 112-118m. These findings were not observed in VES surveys along similar profiles where 2D ERT was carried out. 3D map computed to connect aquifers within the third geo-electric layers for VES points 1-20, showed that within the third geo-electric layers for O/MSC/02, 05, 07, 11, 16, 17, and 20 lies saline water. The reliability of these results was validated by results from quantitative assessment of physiochemical parameters (PH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total hardness) and hydrochemical contents (HCO3-, Na+, K+, CL-, and SO42-) used to evaluate the ionic abundance of water samples taken from seven wells/boreholes in the area. PH values of 6.40-6.90 were predominant in the samples which indicates slight acidity and unsuitable for human consumption, EC values in the order of 1705μS/cm, & 1853.74μS/cm were obtained and total dissolved Solids (TDS) was in the order of 700.30mg/l & 750.02mg/l. Elevated EC values in water is indicative of high ionic abundance, and is diagnostic to salinity of the water as reflected in the 1D and 2D geo-electric surveys. However, the study area also contains fresh water aquifers lying within the third geo-electric layers for VES profiles O/MSC/01, 03, 06, 08, 09, 10, 12, and 18, hence a water supply tube well can be drilled in these areas for groundwater production but the water should be subjected to hydrochemical test to ascertain its level of contamination and prior treatments before human consumption. Keywords: Saltwater Intrusion, Groundwater, Vertical electrical sounding (VES), Electrical resistivity  tomography (ERT), Geo-electric section

Seismic Interpretation and Petrophysical Analysis for Evaluation of Ataga Field, Onshore Niger Delta, Nigeria

The majority of geophysical survey in hydrocarbon exploration and production sector is driven by the ability to describe reservoirs. This research is aimed at describing the interpretation and petrophysical analysis of the reservoirs in Ataga field Niger Delta using a combination of seismic and well-log data. The Ataga Field in the Niger Delta was subjected to 3-D seismic interpretation and petrophysical study to perform comprehensive structural interpretation, prospect evaluation, and volumetric calculation. Two reservoir windows “1” and “2” were identified and correlated from four wells ATA 10, ATA 11, ATA 5 and ATA 7. Detailed evaluation was done on well ATA 11 since it is the only well that has sufficient data for both qualitative and quantitative interpretation. Structural interpretation for inline 5731 revealed fifteen faults on the seismic vertical section through ATA 11, most of which are antithetic faults while the rest are synthetic faults. Top and base of each reservoir window was delineated from the well. Result of the petrophysical assessment of reservoir A, B and C for ATA 11 revealed that the porosity values range from (24 -29) % which are indicative of very good to excellent porosity value according to Rider (1996). While the permeability values range from (1887-2582) mD were obtained from the three reservioir A, B and C of ATA 11 which depict very good to excellent reservoir units. Since, .all of the wells were discovered to have hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir formations (sandstones), the integration of structural interpretation and well logs have successfully revealed that the reservoirs are mostly oil-bearing zones

Vestibular loss disrupts visual reactivity in the alpha EEG rhythm

The alpha rhythm is a dominant electroencephalographic oscillation relevant to sensory-motor and cognitive function. Alpha oscillations are reactive, being for example enhanced by eye closure, and suppressed following eye opening. The determinants of inter-individual variability in reactivity in the alpha rhythm (e.g. changes with amplitude following eye closure) are not fully understood despite the physiological and clinical applicability of this phenomenon, as indicated by the fact that ageing and neurodegeneration reduce reactivity. Strong interactions between visual and vestibular systems raise the theoretical possibility that the vestibular system plays a role in alpha reactivity. To test this hypothesis, we applied electroencephalography in sitting and standing postures in 15 participants with reduced vestibular function (bilateral vestibulopathy, median age = 70 years, interquartile range = 51-77 years) and 15 age-matched controls. We found participants with reduced vestibular function showed less enhancement of alpha electroencephalography power on eye closure in frontoparietal areas, compared to controls. In participants with reduced vestibular function, video head impulse test gain - as a measure of residual vestibulo-ocular reflex function - correlated with reactivity in alpha power across most of the head. Greater reliance on visual input for spatial orientation ('visual dependence', measured with the rod-and-disc test) correlated with less alpha enhancement on eye closure only in participants with reduced vestibular function, and this was partially moderated by video head impulse test gain. Our results demonstrate for the first time that vestibular function influences alpha reactivity. The results are partly explained by the lack of ascending peripheral vestibular input but also by central reorganisation of processing relevant to visuo-vestibular judgements

Assessment of Subsurface Competency Using Geotechnical Method of a Proposed Structure F.C.T Nigeria

Structural failure has been recently happenings mostly in the commercially populated states along the coastal line in Nigeria. As a result, an open field at a chosen location in Abuja, Nigeria, was investigated. For the purpose of this study, test bores were drilled and Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) were conducted at every 1.5 m interval up to a maximum depth of 12.0 m with the bearing pressure ranging between 20 kN/m2 and 1000 kN/m2 . 3 test bores’ were drilled within the plot location, and samples were obtained at the test bores locations for laboratory analysis. Findings revealed that subsurface lithology found at the site within the explored depths of 0.0 ~ 12.0 m is mostly silty sand, laterite, sandy clay, silty clay, clayey sand, and weathered rock. The findings from the sub-soils of the different places and their bearing pressures were computed with SPT N value. Building foun dations may be rigid raft foundations at a depth of 2.0 meters below the present ground level, according to bearing capacity values that range from 20 kN/m2 to 60 kN/m2 at 1.5 to 3.0 meters. The recommended building foundations take into account the sub-soil’s characteristics at the drilling places at a depth of between 1.0 and 3.0 meters. The structure might also be supported by frictional piles buried 10 meters beneath the surface.

Improving the quality of set yoghurt using milk fat globule membrane fragments

Lacprodan PL20, a dairy ingredient that is rich in protein and polar lipids, was added into set yoghurts produced from nonhomogenized raw milk. The set yoghurts were prepared using concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 6% Lacprodan PL20, while the control sample was only supplemented with skim milk powder. The effect of Lacprodan PL20 concentrations on the physical and chemical properties, rheology, and microstructure of set yoghurt was thoroughly investigated to determine some likely improvement or changes in quality. Consequently, Lacprodan PL20 showed a gradual improvement in the set yoghurt nutritive values, water holding capacity, and apparent viscosity. The results indicated that the firmness of set yoghurt was altered which steadily improved the gel strength, especially at 4% and 6% concentrations. The fermentation process was slightly delayed at 4% and 6% concentrations and pH values were raised as Lacprodan PL20 concentration increased. The microstructures of the set yoghurts produced with Lacprodan PL20, as examined by scanning electron microscopy, revealed compacted structures with fewer and smaller holes in the gel matrices. Also, a slight color change was observed in set yoghurt using a colorimeter. These results vividly showed that Lacprodan PL20, an enriched milk fat globule membrane fragment, has the potential to improve set yoghurt quality by reducing some defects associated with set yoghurt, such as low gel strength, low dry solids, and the likes

Activity or Connectivity? Evaluating neurofeedback training in Huntington's disease

Non-invasive methods, such as neurofeedback training (NFT), could support cognitive symptom management in Huntington’s disease (HD) by targeting brain regions whose function is impaired. The aim of our single-blind, sham-controlled study was to collect rigorous evidence regarding the feasibility of NFT in HD by examining two different methods, activity and connectivity real-time fMRI NFT. Thirty-two HD gene-carriers completed 16 runs of NFT training, using an optimized real-time fMRI protocol. Participants were randomized into four groups, two treatment groups, one receiving neurofeedback derived from the activity of the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA), and another receiving neurofeedback based on the correlation of SMA and left striatum activity (connectivity NFT), and two sham control groups, matched to each of the treatment groups. We examined differences between the groups during NFT training sessions and after training at follow-up sessions. Transfer of training was measured by measuring the participants’ ability to upregulate NFT target levels without feedback (near transfer), as well as by examining change in objective, a-priori defined, behavioural measures of cognitive and psychomotor function (far transfer) before and at 2 months after training. We found that the treatment group had significantly higher NFT target levels during the training sessions compared to the control group. However, we did not find robust evidence of better transfer in the treatment group compared to controls, or a difference between the two NFT methods. We also did not find evidence in support of a relationship between change in cognitive and psychomotor function and NFT learning success. We conclude that although there is evidence that NFT can be used to guide participants to regulate the activity and connectivity of specific regions in the brain, evidence regarding transfer of learning and clinical benefit was not robust. Although the intervention is non-invasive, given the costs and absence of reliable evidence of clinical benefit, we cannot recommend real-time fMRI NFT as a potential intervention in HD

Activity or connectivity? A randomized controlled feasibility study evaluating neurofeedback training in Huntington's disease

Non-invasive methods, such as neurofeedback training, could support cognitive symptom management in Huntington’s disease by targeting brain regions whose function is impaired. The aim of our single-blind, sham-controlled study was to collect rigorous evidence regarding the feasibility of neurofeedback training in Huntington’s disease by examining two different methods, activity and connectivity real-time functional MRI neurofeedback training. Thirty-two Huntington’s disease gene-carriers completed 16 runs of neurofeedback training, using an optimized real-time functional MRI protocol. Participants were randomized into four groups, two treatment groups, one receiving neurofeedback derived from the activity of the supplementary motor area, and another receiving neurofeedback based on the correlation of supplementary motor area and left striatum activity (connectivity neurofeedback training), and two sham control groups, matched to each of the treatment groups. We examined differences between the groups during neurofeedback training sessions and after training at follow-up sessions. Transfer of training was measured by measuring the participants’ ability to upregulate neurofeedback training target levels without feedback (near transfer), as well as by examining change in objective, a priori defined, behavioural measures of cognitive and psychomotor function (far transfer) before and at 2 months after training. We found that the treatment group had significantly higher neurofeedback training target levels during the training sessions compared to the control group. However, we did not find robust evidence of better transfer in the treatment group compared to controls, or a difference between the two neurofeedback training methods. We also did not find evidence in support of a relationship between change in cognitive and psychomotor function and learning success. We conclude that although there is evidence that neurofeedback training can be used to guide participants to regulate the activity and connectivity of specific regions in the brain, evidence regarding transfer of learning and clinical benefit was not robust

Protocol, rationale and design of SELPHI: A randomised controlled trial assessing whether offering free HIV self-testing kits via the internet increases the rate of HIV diagnosis 11 Medical and Health Sciences 1117 Public Health and Health Services 11 Medical and Health Sciences 1103 Clinical Sciences

BACKGROUND: Among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK, an estimated 28% have never tested for HIV and only 27% of those at higher risk test at least every 6 months. HIV self-testing (HIVST), where the person takes their own blood/saliva sample and processes it themselves, offers the opportunity to remove many structural and social barriers to testing. Although several randomised controlled trials are assessing the impact of providing HIVST on rates of HIV testing, none are addressing whether this results in increased rates of HIV diagnoses that link to clinical care. Linking to care is the critical outcome because it is the only way to access antiretroviral treatment (ART). We describe here the design of a large, internet-based randomised controlled trial of HIVST, called SELPHI, which aims to inform this key question. METHODS/DESIGN: The SELPHI study, which is ongoing is promoted via social networking website and app advertising, and aims to enroll HIV negative men, trans men and trans women, aged over 16 years, who are living in England and Wales. Apart from the physical delivery of the test kits, all trial processes, including recruitment, take place online. In a two-stage randomisation, participants are first randomised (3:2) to receive a free baseline HIVST or no free baseline HIVST. At 3 months, participants allocated to receive a baseline HIVST (and meeting further eligibility criteria) are subsequently randomised (1:1) to receive the offer of regular (every 3 months) free HIVST, with testing reminders, versus no such offer. The primary outcome from both randomisations is a laboratory-confirmed HIV diagnosis, ascertained via linkage to a national HIV surveillance database. DISCUSSION: SELPHI will provide the first reliable evidence on whether offering free HIVST via the internet increases rates of confirmed HIV diagnoses and linkage to clinical care. The two randomisations reflect the dual objectives of detecting prevalent infections (possibly long-standing) and the more rapid diagnosis of incident HIV infections. It is anticipated that the results of SELPHI will inform future access to HIV self-testing provision in the UK. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DOI 10.1186/ISRCTN20312003 registered 24/10/2016